Russamee Thepphanakit

Cotton handbags in Thailand

"I still work with my best friend: my first and only one sewing machine, which is always clean and given proper maintenance!"

"I was born in Sankamphaeng in 1953, and ours is a family of farmers. I have an older brother and a younger sister – I also had another younger brother, but he died from an accident in front of our house in 1974. My father worked in the fields, where I used to play, and mom was always weaving at home. I left school when I was 10 years old as was expected of girls in my village back then.

"I started my first job as an umbrella frame maker, and I would give all my income to my parents towards the support our family, especially for the education of the younger siblings. I started sewing when I was 12 years old and tall enough for my legs to reach the pedals. Sankamphaeng is renowned for its silk and cotton, therefore girls are expected to know how to sew. I used to work at my aunt's place for a while, and then I decided to invest all my savings on a sewing machine. I took a dressmaking course in the city and started my own small venture at home as a custom dressmaker.

"I made uniforms for career women like nurses, teachers and factory workers, and I also made casual outfits. Moreover, I also imparted a small dressmaking courses.

"I met my husband when I was 18, and we married when I was 24. We moved to Mae Moh, Lampang province, and I became a full time homemaker. I continued with my own passion as a dressmaker in my spare time. My customers were our neighbors and the ladies who worked at my husband's place. I was always busy with my kids, so I had to stop when I had my third child.

"The idea of making handbags came in 2008, when we moved back to my old town when my husband retired, all my kids had graduated and had their own professions, and I had no family expenses to worry about. I found out that people in the village continued sewing as in the olden days, but not the custom dresses like before. Mostly were ready to wear outfits for sale at the mall and were cheap and stylish. Government officers still needed tailored apparel, but it was really a small market. That's why I turned to making handbags, since there can be a variety of designs, uses, and beautiful styles.

"I would like to share the traditions and culture of Chiang Mai with the world through my products. My designs perfectly merge legendary Chiang Mai styles with modern trends. I still work with my best friend: my first and only one sewing machine, which is always clean and given proper maintenance!"

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22 items by Russamee Thepphanakit

Reviews by Customers

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Total reviews

christine

From houston, texas

Verified Reviewer

05/20/2020

"super bag"

super summer bag and a great value

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Purchased Item:

Blue Thai Garden, Thai Blue Cotton Print Shoulder Bag

Maureen

Verified Reviewer

02/11/2020

"Beautiful"

I totally like this bag. can get all my stuff in it, plus it looks so very nice. The colors are bright and happy.

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Purchased Item:

Blue Thai Universe, Cotton shoulder bag

Doreen

Verified Reviewer

10/24/2019

"Perfect size bag."

Lightweight cotton. Zipper enclosure. Casual everyday sac with a cute fabric print. Love!

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Purchased Item:

Green Thai Garden, Thai Green and Yellow Cotton Floral Print Shoulder Bag

Lisa

Verified Reviewer

10/06/2019

"Lovely!!"

A well made and beautiful bag. Happy to have it.

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Purchased Item:

Green Siam, Elephants Cotton Shoulder Bag Handmade in Thailand

Kristin

Verified Reviewer

06/05/2019

"Useful for everything!"

This was a great purchase. I use it to travel (wads up small and goes in the wash) and while at home. Its big enough for groceries, too! I really like it, because I can also tie the strap to make it short enough t obe a shoulder bag for casual, smaller-use occasions.

Best Uses

everyday

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Purchased Item:

Green Thai Goth, Thai Cotton Sling Bag with 2 Inner Pockets

Mary

Verified Reviewer

11/13/2018

"cute bag"

Love this cute ,casual, roomy bag. Very well made.Only thing that would make it better is at least one outside pocket for cell phones or glasses.

Best Uses

everyday use

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Purchased Item:

Thai Shadow Garden, Black and White Floral Cotton Purse

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Russamee Thepphanakit

Cause Badges

22 items by Russamee Thepphanakit

Reviews by Customers

"super bag"

"Beautiful"

"Perfect size bag."

"Lovely!!"

"Useful for everything!"

"cute bag"

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